Parish pump Hailsham - January 31, 2014

Published:15:50Friday 31 January 2014

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Alfriston

COLIN BURDEN, the team leader of Heartstart, has been nominated for a South Coast Ambulance Service Chief Executive Commendation for the outstanding patient care recently given to a man in cardiac arrest on the South Downs near Alfriston. Heartstart as a group has been nominated for the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services in recognition of the service they provide to the community. The winning nominations will be announced in June. The Heartstart members, led by Colin, are greatly appreciated by the village and district that they cover. This service is highly valued and deserving of public recognition.

WI NEWS: After wishing members a Happy New Year, the president introduced the speaker, John Wilton. His talk was entitled A Penny for your thoughts which covered the history of coins from the time when each coin was actually worth its weight in gold or silver to the present day. John Wilton entertained with tales of hoards of coins found on building sites or recovered from shipwrecks, about forgeries and clipped coins and about the time when tokens were used in the village shops by the hop pickers. Samples of various coins were passed around and coins brought by members were valued. Plans for prospective outings were discussed and also the possibility of a change of meeting place. It looks like a busy year ahead with a varied programme of meetings. The next meeting will be on February 18 when Michael Gould will be talking about his Forty Years in the Wine Trade. Visitors are welcome.

VALENTINE’S DAY will be here soon and Much Ado are offering the chance for craft lovers to express themselves by creating personal cards. There will be a one-hour workshop at the bookshop for clipping, pasting, tearing, sewing, stamping to make up to three cards. The workshops run over the weekend of February 1 and 2. Tickets cost £7.50 for each workshop. For details and tickets visit the website at www.muchadobooks.com/valentine-making2014. Drop- ins will be welcome but space is limited so it might be advisable to book.

LAST CALL for Aladdin. The Alfriston Players’ pantomime opens tonight (Friday) at 7.30pm and tomorrow, Saturday, at 2pm and again at 7.30pm at the War Memorial Hall. Adult tickets £5, children £3 and family tickets (two adults and two children) £14. Tickets at Hicks The Newsagents and The Tudor House Restaurant.

Bodle Street Green

FILM CLUB: This month’s film is a comedy, Silver Linings Playbook, starring Robert de Niro as the father of Pat Solatano (Bradley Cooper). It also stars Jennifer Lawrence as Tiffany. Doors open tonight at 7pm for refreshments with the film starting at 7.30pm. Guests are welcome, but why not become a member. The cost is £30 per annum and includes all 11 films shown each year. Call or text Caroline on 07551 221615 orbodlestreetfilmclub@gmail.com.

TOBS: The Thespians of Bodle Street is putting on a Murder Mystery Evening on Saturday February 8 at 7pm for 7.30pm. This will be produced by Sue Ralph and is in aid of the Village Hall Project Fund. Who Killed the Director is set in a rundown theatre called The Floodlights Theatre in Finkleton Fold. It involves the local drama group’s rehearsals for their next production, when the inevitable happens. Get your little grey cells working, at this supper event. Tickets to include a two course supper are £12.50 and are available from Bryan (01323 833554), Sue (832542) or Geoff (833343). Bryan and Geoff are also selling tickets for the Strangeface production Shooting The Moon, based on the life of illusionist George Melies. This is also a theatre supper event. Tickets are also £12.50.

Firle

CROP CIRCLES: For those of us inspired by intrigue, there is to be a talk on Crop Circles by the very able Andy Thomas on Wednesday at 7.30pm, not to be missed. Tickets are available from the village store or on the door priced, very reasonably, at £7.50 to include a delicious ploughman’s supper. To raise much needed funds for St Peters Church Tower fund, all are welcome.

CHURCH SERVICES: Sunday, 9am morning prayers at Firle and 10.15am Matins at Glynde.

VILLAGE HALL: This week The Firle Village Hall has been put to good use again, many thanks to all taking advantage of the facilities. We had a successful 70s disco night, compliments of the lovely Erika, who I am sure strutted her stuff very capably with all who attended, more to follow. We all wish our favourite person, the amiably gentle and kind Ann Hughes, who is recovering from a rather nasty tumble from her velocipede, wretched things but necessary, get well soon because we all miss your presence.

MY GARDEN doesn’t seem to know what time of the year it is, the snowdrops are starting to show and at the same time we aren’t going to be waiting too long for the daffodils! She who must be obeyed says that the Christmas tree, planted after the festivities, is struggling a bit but I have faith and will report its progress through the seasons.

MY FRIENDLY and somewhat rotund squirrel has developed an appetite for doughnuts and cream crackers. Not sure if that is an appropriate diet for him/her, not sure which because I am not allowed that close, but I may have to consider rationing or putting him/her on a diet. Haven’t thought of a name for said squirrel so if there are any younger readers, or parents with the same quirky humour as myself, please give me your thoughts mike@firlevillagehall.org.

WEDDING PARTIES: There are plenty of wedding parties and celebrations coming to the hall over the next few months along with our usual stalwarts. Don’t forget the Friday café, 10am every week and all for a good cause, the village hall.

FINALLY I am a great fan of curious facts from wherever in the country. As a coach driver I look for points of interest for my destinations, unfortunately it tends to be the metropolis we all know as London. This week’s curiosity is, in 1797 Haberdasher James Hetherington was arrested on The Strand for wearing a top hat. A terrible commotion ensued and apparently ‘women fainted and children screamed’. He was charged with wearing a tall structure of shining lustre calculated to disturb timid people. The moral here is that unless things have been repealed look over your shoulder for a peeler when attending weddings. Particularly at the Village Hall, you couldn’t make it up.

Glynde & Beddingham

THE PARISH COUNCIL is pleased to approve a planning application for replacement doors and windows at 7 to 10 Trevor Gardens, Station Street. Residents feel this to be much needed and are looking forward to reduced heating costs and warmer houses. The council has also conditionally approved plans for 12 new parking spaces serving Spring Gardens. Although it was felt that it would not in itself help with the general move to reduce the speed of traffic in the village, the council recommended that a 30mph sign should be positioned close to the junction with the A27. Plans are still ongoing for other traffic calming initiatives, especially in Trevor Gardens and Lacy’s Hill. The council has been asked to contact the owner of the station forecourt with regard to a recent sign indicating that parking restrictions will soon be in place. Please keep an eye on the Parish noticeboard for any developments.

THE TREVOR ARMS: Bookings are now being taken for Valentine’s Day, so be sure to give them a ring soon on 01273 858208 to reserve your table or have a look at the special menu. The team are also planning a movie night on February 13 with a screening of the classic 80s cult brat pack movie The Breakfast Club. Showing starts at 8pm so either arrive early for a bite to eat beforehand or just turn up and be entertained.

SEED BANK: The Sussex group of seedsavers is bouncing back into action with a stall at Seedy Saturday in Lewes Town Hall tomorrow, Saturday, from 10am until 3.30pm. There will be fun activities for all the family as well as an appearance by well-known Gardeners’ Question Time panellist, Bob Flowerdew. If you are out and about this weekend, do come and see them for tips on sowing, growing and saving all types of seeds.

CHURCH SERVICES: This week’s services will be Morning Prayer at Firle at 9am, Matins at Glynde at 10.15am.

Hailsham

ST MARYS: This the fourth Sunday after Epiphany. 8am Holy Communion (BCP), The Saviour Promised. 10.30am All Age Special with crèche, Bible Baddies. 6.30pm Evening Prayer, The Saviour Promised.

CORINTHIAN CHURCH: On Sunday there is a service at Primrose Hall at 11am followed by refreshments. The medium is Penelope Hart.

ANTIQUE and Collectors on Sunday from 9.30am to 2pm at Reid Hall, Boreham Street. Admission 50p. Parking and refreshments. Enquiries to (01323) 410727.

COFFEE MORNING: The Association of Carers coffee morning for potential new volunteers is on Tuesday at 10am to noon at Hailsham Town Council Offices, Inglenook Market Square.

NOSTALGIC HEARTS: On Wednesday from 10am to noon at Dippy Doodas in the High Street there is a workshop to make Nostalgic Hearts ready for Valentine’s Day or any other occasion. Bookings in advance in person £15. Enquiries 843014.

SOUP AND PUD LUNCH: Tickets are still available for this annual HOPS event at the Charles Hunt Centre on Saturday February 15 at £7.50 from The Pavilion, The Nodding Cobbler and The Camera Shop.

PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY: At the third round of the print competition the judge was Steve Lawenson ARPS. Steve chose three prints to go through to the beginners final. Mandarin Duck by Brian Gell, Into The Light by Pam Maclay and Different Points Of View by Carole Parish, an image of two statues sitting on a bench taken at Canary Wharf. Intermediates: Sunset Square by Keith Deverson, Who’s Watching Who by Steve Nixon and Seaweed And Oil by Rob Shepherd, an almost abstract photo of vegetation with many colours of oil on water. As there were many more images entered, seven were picked for the advanced final: Farm In Mist by Pat Broad ARPS AFIAP, Wood Grain Pattern by Tim Creed, Sweet Josie by Jan Cunningham ARPS, Barber Shop, Cuba by Alison Morris ARPS, Giant Redwood Detail and Glasshouse, Bicton both by Liz Scott ARPS AFIAP and Cat Nap by Phil Smith, a lovely image of the head and shoulders of a man with a cat curled around his neck asleep. Steve said that there were many good images for him to judge and it made his job incredibly difficult but also very enjoyable.

100 YEARS AGO: In January 1914 FC Harvey reports: The churchwarden was instructed to write to the makers of the church clock and give particulars about the clock. Results, the makers will take the clock to pieces and thoroughly overhaul the same. The dials and hands will receive three coats of the best lead paint, then varnished before the gilding of the figures in double gold leaf (by our local painters).

Hellingly & Horsebridge

CHRISTINGLE SERVICES on Sunday at both Hellingly church at 10.45am and Upper Dicker at 9.15am. The Children’s Society Christingle has been a key part of celebrations within churches for over 40 years. The candlelit services are now a firm favourite with supporters of all ages. Christingle events raise essential funds to support the work of The Children’s Society and their work with vulnerable children living in poverty in this country.

ANNE SHELTON TALK: At the Hellingly WI’s meeting on Tuesday at 2.30pm, the subject of the talk for the afternoon will be The Life and Times of Anne Shelton by Kelly Richards. She lived locally and was a popular singer during World War 2. The branch meets at Hellingly village hall and welcome any ladies who would like to come along to their meetings. Contact Iris on (01323) 841875.

COMMUNITY PLANNING: On Wednesday, Arlington and Dicker residents are inviting you to be a part of a new Community Planning group focussing on such issues as housing, traffic, local environment, energy and communications. The Group (APPAG) is going to modernise the Parish Action Plan (PAP) in 2014. They want to get an active group together to talk about the most important issues and challenges Arlington Parish faces in the short and long term. It won’t just be about talking. They want to do a parish survey following on from work in 2007/8. If you would like to be part of looking at the present and future for the community, the first open meeting is at the Plough, Upper Dicker at 6.30pm. Please let Jenny Turland 844687 and Jenny Holland know if you are interested. More information available on request.

STARGAZING: To coincide with the BBC’s Stargazing Live programme, Michelham Priory will be holding its own Stargazing Evening with the help of the Eastbourne Astronomical Society on Friday February 7 from 6pm to 8pm. Cafe open for refreshments. Adults £2.50, children free. For more information visit www.sussexpast.co.uk

COFFEE MORNING in aid of the Children’s Society, on Saturday February 8 from 10am until noon at 47 Hawks Road, Hailsham. There will be a bring and buy table, homemade cakes and marmalade, raffle, Phoenix Cards.

VALENTINE’S DAY QUIZ on Friday February 14 at Upper Dicker village Hall at 7pm for 7.30pm. Entry is £6 per person and includes a buffet supper. Bring your own drinks.

Herstmonceux & Wartling

BINGO: The Friends of All Saints Church are hosting a prize Bingo afternoon in the village hall tomorrow, Saturday, starting at 2.15pm. Tickets at £5 will be on sale at the beginning of the afternoon which will cover both your bingo and the bumper buffet, further books of tickets for the bingo will be on sale at £3 each. There will also be a raffle. Proceeds will go to the Friends of all Saints Fund.

AGE CONCERN will be holding a Table Top Sale at the Venton Centre, Eastbourne tomorrow, Saturday, between 10am and 2pm. Entrance for buyers will be £2.

KNITTING CLUB: Gaynor who tells me that, although numbers for their first get together weren’t brilliant, the ladies who knit and crochet enjoyed a really good afternoon with plenty of chatter, teas and coffee, cake and knitting. Since the first meeting Gaynor has had a lot of calls and it would appear that there are now more people who would be interested in going along, so it has been decided that they will meet on the second Thursday of each month at the Davenports Delicatessen between 7pm and 9pm. All will be made welcome whether you be experienced, a novice or somewhere in between. If you would like more information you can contact Gaynor on 07850 423 797 or email swingate59@googlemail.com

WALKING CLUB: Meet John at Hailsham Leisure Centre at 10am on Sunday, February 9, for a walk through Wilmington/Lullington Heath which will cover approximately 6.25 miles. All welcome, including well behaved dogs. Further information on 848790.

CHURCH SERVICES: On Sunday Holy Communion (BCP) along with Candlemass Evening Service will be held at Wartling church at 8am and 6pm respectively while the Candlemass Family Service will be held at Herstmonceux church at 9.45am.

RAY AND SHELDON: David Calvert, our local historian, will be joining the Ray and Sheldon club to share his knowledge of our local history. Anybody over the age of 60 years will be made welcome.

BREWER’S ARMS: Landlady (Rebecca), Andrew and family, which includes Boris the dog, would like to say Hi to everybody and invite them to call in and see what they are doing. They have planned events including music nights, Play Your Cards Right, Burns Night, St Valentine’s Day etc. Lots going on and if you want to book a table for the restaurant then their new number is 832226.

Lewes

FOOTPATHS GROUP: Nine members took part in a walk from the Wok Inn at Shortgate recently. Although it was muddy and in places quite waterlogged underfoot no actual floods were encountered and the party were also blessed with fine and not cold weather. Starting from the Wok Inn the party went down a bridleway to Bell Farm and then eastwards to the road junction in North Laughton. The bridleway on part of this stretch had been churned up by horses making it difficult to traverse but there was evidence that chippings are about to be put down to provide a better surface. The party then went eastwards along the byway past Brickhurst Wood, noting the temporary ban of 4 wheel drive vehicles from part of it. They then went north on a path towards Laughton Park Farm, a path where much of the furniture had been installed by the Group over 15 years ago. After passing this farm a long green lane was traversed towards Halland Park Farm, near where a break for coffee took place, before taking the direct footpath to Halland. The return to the Wok Inn then passed Bog Shaw and Shortgate Manor Farm. The next walk is on Tuesday at Fletching. Meet at North Street car park, 9.30am.

SOUTHOVER CHURCH: We’ve been supporting development work in Rwanda since 2007. One member of the church lives there long-term and others go out twice a year to work on specific projects. Four are going there this spring to work on several rainwater harvesting systems and two community studies into using water filters to provide safe drinking water to more than 20,000 people, many of whom collect contaminated water from swamps. Other work has included HIV/AIDS training, supporting Mother’s Union and environmental projects, teaching English in schools and helping with house building for the destitute. Helpers are always needed, as are laptops with supported software. If you can help, please ring 01273 473600. As we no longer use them, you are welcome to give a kneeler a new home. If you or a relative made one you will have priority. Please come to collect on Sunday 2 February (only), after the 10am service from about 11am, at Church End (the house beside the church, entrance off Cockshut Road). Southover School are collecting Sainsbury’s Active Kids Vouchers. All donations are welcome, either to the school or in the box at the back of the church. Diary date: Easter Saturday, Mystery Plays involving the whole Lewes community, in Harvey’s Yard. Services this Sunday are: 8am communion; 10am family service, a blend of traditional and contemporary, children especially welcome; 11.15am informal family service in the church hall, children especially welcome; 3.30pm quiet worship service in the Taizé style led by a small group of singers and musicians; 6.30pm informal service with communion. Do come along, we try to be friendly and welcoming. Our next Alpha Course starts February 20, contact Steve Daughtery 01273 472018 for more information.

JUMBLE SALE: 1st Ninfield Scout group would like to thank all that supported their jumble sale last Saturday. They had an amazing amount of goods donated and a fantastic number of people searching for those hidden gems. The executive committee would like to thank all of the parents, grandparents, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and friends that helped to set up, run stalls and clear away. This was their best ever Jumble Sale.

THE FLOWER GROUP are next meeting on Monday in the Memorial Hall at 7.30pm. They will be holding a workshop entitled Foliage Only. This is a popular evening and is open to all members. Should you require any further information please contact by email ninfieldflowergroup@hotmail.co.uk

LUNCH: Arthritis Research UK are holding a Winter Warmer Lunch on Wednesday at the Reading Room, noon for a 12.30pm lunch. Tickets are £7.50 per person which must be booked in advance by calling 892593. There will also be a bring and buy stall and a raffle.

FIRST RESPONDERS: The Bexhill and District Community First Responders, who cover Bexhill, Ashburnham, Ninfield, Catsfield, Crowhurst, Hooe , Whydown and Normans Bay, will be meeting on Wednesday. This is at Bexhill Fire Station at 7.30pm, every first Wednesday in the month. If you are interested in finding out more please contact the Team Leader, Mike Dean on 07970024135.

FRIDAY CRAFT GROUP run by members of the Eastbourne and South Wealden MS Society has started at Polegate Community Centre on Friday mornings from 10am to 1pm. We are a friendly bunch who enjoy all types of craft projects including knitting, crochet, card making and quilting, patchwork etc, if you would like to join us contact Val Liles on 460336 or Shirley Hannam on 488035.

THE COFFEE MORNING at Polegate Community Centre, on Saturday February 1, is hosted by the Petanque Club. All welcome in the lounge 10am to noon.

ASSISTANT TREASURER required to assist our treasurer at Polegate Community Centre. Please telephone 482434 or write to the Community Centre, 54 Windsor Way, Polegate BN26 6QF for more details.

RAMBLING CLUB: Walks on Thursday include a Leisurely Walk, Riverside Walk, approx. 2 miles, walk along the river from Alfriston village, muddy and wet grass, on the flat. Meet at Downland Medical Centre 10am for 126 bus, coffee at village, one stile, with Geoff; or Bo Peep to Blackstone Bottom, 4 miles , 2 miles downhill followed by 2 miles uphill, few stiles with Howard and Hilary; or a longer walk of 8 miles, Winter Mystery Walk, Uckfield circular, take picnic with David D. Meet at Wannock Road Rec, 9.30am.

AGM meeting for Polegate Rambling Club is on February 7, at St Johns Church Hall. Coffee will be served at 2pm the meeting will start at 2.30pm. £3 subscriptions.

Warbleton & Rushlake Green

CHURCH SERVICES: Warbleton Parish Church: 8am Holy Communion (BCP), 11am Family Service. The Club With No Name a youth club for 10 to 15 year olds has been running for a couple of weeks now. It meets on Tuesday evenings, in the Church Rooms, from 7.30pm to 9pm during school term times. For details contact Tony on 01435 812514. St John’s Bodle Street: 9.30pm Morning Worship with Holy Communion. St Giles, Dallington: 10am Holy Communion (BCP). Heathfield Chapel: 11am Morning worship and communion led by Dave Court.

QUIZ NIGHT: Warbleton Horticultural and Poultry Society is holding a Quiz Night on February 8 in the Dunn Village Hall at 7.30pm for 7.45pm start. The cost is £10 per table of six or £2 per person to join a table. To book tickets call 01435 830263. There will be a bar and raffle. All proceeds will be divided between the annual flower show and the Warbleton Churchbells appeal. The society needs your support. Why not become a member? Benefits include free and early entry to the marquee on Show Day, July 26 this year, reduced cost of RHS membership, garden visits and discounts at local nurseries. Call Margaret on 01435 830560 for details. Membership is just £4 per annum. I have no doubt you will be able to join at the quiz night.

PROMISES AUCTION: Looking ahead a little the Dunn Village Hall will hold an auction of promises on March 22. Doors open at 6.15pm for 7.15pm start. It will be in aid of the hall and Children of Gambia Services. We need, of course, promises and items to auction, so if you can provide a service or something to auction, then please contact Sarah on 01435 863727.

Willingdon, Wannock & Jevington

DICK WHITTINGTON: From the moment the chorus sang Who Will Buy This Wonderful Morning, it was obvious that this pantomime was going to be something special. The talent of Willingdon Church Players was in no doubt, with terrific voices and great dancing skills, but director Christopher Peck and musical director and piano accompanist Fr Michael Maine certainly knew just how to bring out the best in everyone. Percussionist Jonathan Cornell added to the dramatic effect. Alice, played by Lucy Sarsfield, and Dick Whittington (Alison King) were well cast and their voices blended perfectly together, particularly in the duet Oh Love True Love. Dick’s faithful cat, Tommy (Deanna Cornell), was lithe and graceful. Alice’s father was Alderman Fitzwarren (Alan Benstead). Captain Cuttle was played by Christopher Peck. They both played their parts with enthusiasm and expression. Comedy artist Sarah the Cook (Paul Martin) was a larger than life character with outrageous outfits, Chris Tucknott was in charge of the wardrobe and deserves credit for her hard work. Humour was also provided by Idle Jack (Luke Martin). Their cookery scene with the sausages was hilarious. The good fairy was sprightly Fairy Bow Bells (Natasha Cornell) with her rhyming couplets. Evil Queen Rat played by Kim Dack, with her two henchmen wickedly played by Janet Martin and Emily Faulkner, and her rat followers, was able to demonstrate her singing and dancing talents in Jailhouse Rock in the dungeon scene. John Pritchett and his team were in charge of the scenery. The harbour scene was particularly admired by the audience as Captain Cuttle and his crew were planning to Sail Away and the voyagers joined in with their farewells. Among them were three very small matelots and on board the Good Ship Lollipop, their interpretation of that song met with rapturous applause. The strobe lighting at sea was the mastermind of Charles Percy. Another scene was set in Morocco where the crew were seeking their fortune and where the Sultan (Jeremy Rowett) had a small but important part. And who could forget the belly dancers Rowena Brady and Babs Owen, which brought more enthusiastic clapping from the audience? There are too many people to include everyone by name, but Lesley Etwell, as pantomime secretary and floor manager does need special mention. She was also in the chorus and in charge of the box office. It was a great pantomime with many musical numbers, with words slightly altered, from such shows as G & S’s The Sorcerer, Oliver, Starlight Express, Sweet Charity and Les Miserables.

THE BITE-IN is run in the lounge at St Mary’s Church, Hailsham, every Friday morning from 9.30am to noon when snacks and tea and coffee can be purchased at very reasonable prices. Today, Friday, Wannock resident Jill Parker, project co-ordinator of the JPK Sussex Project, will be attending to set out information about the JPK Sussex Project and to answer any questions that visitors may have. Edgmond Church in Old Town and the site on which it stands has now been purchased by the JPK Sussex Project and when sufficient funds have been raised building work will commence on supported living accommodation for people with a learning disability. JPK will have a further stall at the Bite-In where delicious jams and chutneys can be purchased to help raise funds for the project. Hailsham’s Women’s World Day of Prayer group is supporting this event, so do go along to join them. A work party has been arranged for Sunday February 2 from 11am to decorate the entrance hall, main hall and outside walls (weather permitting) at the old Edgmond Church to enable the JPK to use the facilities for more fundraising events and hiring out to cover overheads prior to the commencement of building. All equipment will be provided along with a fish and chip lunch and liquid refreshments. Contact Jill on 01323 486179 to register your interest. The more people who help the sooner the job will be done.

STREET MEETING: PCSO Ali Beadon will be at The Grove at 11am today, Friday. Do go along and meet her, particularly if there is anything you would like to discuss relating to her role. PCSO Ali Beadon can also be contacted by ringing 101 extension 68233 or on her mobile 07787 685 755.

WANNOCK ARTISTS meet from 7pm to 9pm on the last Friday of the month at Wannock Village Hall. Today, Friday, Nick Englefield will be demonstrating how to paint in watercolour a local scene which includes people. Visitors are always welcome. The fee is £3.

IT’S COMEDY NIGHT at the British Queen tonight, Friday, with a lot of different acts. Tickets are £7 each.

THE WHEATSHEAF: Stone Junction, a three piece acoustic band from East Sussex, will be entertaining customers at the Wheatsheaf from 8.30pm tomorrow, Saturday. On Sunday the meat raffle will be held at 2pm. Tickets are £1 each. The Wheatsheaf quiz is from 8.30pm on Tuesday. Paul and Andy will be hosting the jam night on Wednesday from 8pm. Chef on Tour night is on Thursday when customers can order an authentic three course meal from a different region of Italy.

MEETING: Willingdon and Jevington Parish Council will be holding an events’ meeting at 7.30pm in Willingdon Community School on Monday when councillors will discuss past events that they have organised and plan new ones. If you have any suggestions I am sure they would like to hear from you. Meetings are open to the public. Ring 01323 489603 or 01323 489104 for further information.

MOTHERS’ UNION: The Willingdon branch of the Mothers’ Union will be holding their AGM at 2pm on Tuesday at St Mary’s Church Hall.

ST MARY’S YOUTH CLUB for 8 to 14 year olds is held on the first and third Wednesdays of the month from 7.30pm to 9pm in the church hall. February 5 is Wi-Zumba/Just Dance. The subs are 50p per session and there is a tuck shop from 8pm to 8.30pm. For further information please contact Fr Michael Maine on 01323 509528 or email him at michaeljmaine@btinternet.com.

DEMONSTRATION: Willingdon Flower Club will be meeting at 1.45pm on Friday February 7 at Willingdon Memorial Hall when Graham King will be adding A Splash of Colour to his arrangement. The competition is entitled My Favourite Read.

PROBUS CLUB was formed for retired professional and businessmen to meet to discuss topics which would interest them and plan other social occasions. Lunches are held on the first Thursday of the month, 12.30pm for 1pm, and coffee mornings are held on the third Thursday of the month, 10.15am for 10.30am. After lunch on Thursday at the Red Lion, speaker Emma Morris will be giving a talk entitled The Tower. The club also has quarterly lunches at the Hydro where wives, partners and other guests are invited. For further information please consult the website.